How to Get Internet without Cable or a Phone Line
How do you get high-speed internet without cable or a phone line?
Getting a standalone internet service without TV or a phone line is as easy as reaching out to your local internet service provider and signing up for an internet-only package.
We’ll walk you through signing up for an internet package from each of the major internet types, plus some alternative solutions you might not have heard of before.
What internet providers are near me?
Enter your zip code below to find out or read on to learn more about the best internet without cable.
Jump to:
- Cable
- DSL
- Fiber
Cable internet (minus the cable TV)
Gasp. Aren’t we trying to avoid the c-word? Yeah, but there’s cable TV and there’s cable internet service.
Cable internet is one of the best internet options—faster and more reliable than DSL or satellite, and it’s available without bundling phone or cable TV service. When it comes to cable internet, we recommend Xfinity for its fast speeds and Spectrum for its flexible no-contract plans.
Top cable internet-only packages
Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
** Prices and speeds differ in some areas
† 2 yr. contract required. No-contract option available for $59.99/mo.
DSL internet
A DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection is slower and less reliable than both cable and fiber internet, but it’s widely available. You don’t need a landline with phone service for DSL internet, but you will need to use your home’s phone jack.
If DSL is the only option in your area, be sure to check what download speeds your potential providers offer to your home—most DSL plans max out at 100 Mbps, but some rural areas can’t get more than 10 Mbps.
Below, we’ve listed DSL providers and how you can get our recommended internet plans for each—with relevant stats.
Top DSL internet-only packages
Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Fiber-optic internet
Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable connection—and it’s the only one that supports equal download and upload speeds. Its one drawback, though, is that it has spotty availability—your neighbor could qualify for fiber, but you might not.
We recommend Verizon Fios for its high customer satisfaction, followed by AT&T for its high performance. But all of the following providers serve up fiber internet without side dishes.
Top fiber internet-only packages
Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Satellite internet
Satellite internet is the slowest and least reliable internet service, but it may be the only choice for people living in rural areas.
There are two main satellite internet providers: HughesNet and Viasat.
HughesNet tends to be cheaper, but Viasat offers plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Check out their two most comparable plans in the following table.
Top satellite internet-only packages
Data as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Fixed-wireless internet
Throughout most cities are fixed-wireless transmitters. Think of them like little cell towers beaming Wi-Fi signals in all directions.
Some belong to internet service providers you may not have heard of, but the signals are even better than 4G—as long as you’re in direct line of sight, with no mountains or skyscrapers between you and the transmitter.
Top fixed-wireless internet-only packages
Mobile hotspots
Did you know you can turn your smartphone into a wireless hotspot? It’s called tethering, and it’s a great way to have a private Wi-Fi signal at your home without a cable internet connection.
You can do this only if tethering is built into your cell plan, so you might want to check with your provider about that first.
Here’s how to toggle tethering on or off:
- iOS: Settings > Personal Hotspot or Cellular > Personal Hotspot. Then click Allow Others to Join and follow the directions to connect.
- Android: Different cell phones run different versions of Android. Look for a search bar under Settings, then search for keywords like “hotspot” or “tethering” and you should be ready to rock in just a few clicks.
Fair warning: tethering will gobble up your data (and drain your battery) if you don’t already have unlimited data.
Wireless hotspots
Many internet providers offer wireless hotspots across the US—including Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum . Provider Wi-Fi hotspots let you use internet away from home, in public spaces and neighborhoods. If your provider has hotspots, you may need your internet service account ID and password to log on.
Follow the links above to learn more about each provider’s Wi-Fi hotspots offerings.
Free public internet
While the free Wi-Fi from establishments like coffee shops, hotels, and public libraries can be unreliable and unsecure, it’s better than nothing. Plus, it’s a way to get internet access if you don’t have a working phone or cable line.
Just park close to the buildings and don’t leave your car during the pandemic—isolation works.
Free streaming TV
Planning to dump your cable TV package to save a few bucks each month? You can still get plenty of delicious, mind-rotting, eye candy from these free livestreaming TV providers:
- Pluto: More than 100 channels of live TV, totally free
- Xfinity Flex: Free streaming device and service with tons of live and on-demand content—but it’s only for Xfinity internet customers
- Xumo: 100+ live channels.
If you want local channels, try an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
They’re inexpensive (you can get the Mohu Leaf 50 for around $58 on Amazon), and they pick up all of your local network affiliates plus many other free channels—with no monthly bills to pay, ever.
Final take
Whatever reasons you have for buying internet service—and only internet service—you have options. And now, more than ever, it’s nice to have those.
If it’s available in your area, we recommend going with Xfinity. It has cable speeds from 25 to 1,200 Mbps and a 1.2 TB data cap. It also has a superfast fiber plan (Gigabit x6 gets up to 6,000 Mbps) that hardcore gamers and streamers will love—if they can afford $299.95 a month.
We also really like Xfinity’s XFi Gateway modem/router combo. And having only internet service through Xfinity qualifies you for Xfinity Flex, the provider’s free combination streaming device and service. With tons of live and on-demand content, Flex is a great replacement for cable TV.
Get Xfinity Internet
See what internet providers are available in your area
Enter your zip code below to find out what internet-only plans you can get in your neighborhood.
How to get internet FAQ
Methodology
For this article, our experts selected internet packages from major internet providers based on price, speed, features, and bang for your buck. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
Related articles
- Free and Low-Income Internet Plans
- What Is a Good Internet Speed?
- How to Speed Up Your Internet
What Do I Need to Install Fiber-Optic Internet in My House?
By Katherine Goldman
Once you’ve made the decision to connect your services—from internet to TV to phone—via fiber-optic, you’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to think about the installation. Here’s your guide on getting ready for your install. And having it done professionally by your provider is recommended. It’s much easier, and you’ll benefit from their experience.
How will fiber get to your house in the first place?
Fiber-optic is delivered via a cable, either from underground or an aerial power pole, that goes right into your house.
This is called Fiber to the Home, which is just what you want if you can get it. Your internet service provider will bring it right to your door.
Of course, it’s what’s inside the cable that counts. Fiber-optic technology sends the data as pulses of light through hair-thin strands of fiberglass. Information travels practically at the speed of light, giving you more reliability and less latency or buffering.
You should not need to purchase or provide anything for your installation. Your provider will come to your home with everything you need. That includes your Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which converts the optical signal coming through the fiber into signals for your router and from your router to any extenders, if necessary. You shouldn’t need to have any backup equipment. Your ISP usually will supply a router, or you may purchase your own.
Who does what on install day
| You | Your technician |
| Clear a path at the access point where service will enter your home, either in your garage, basement or a closet | Installs the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) |
| Make sure a grounded outlet is accessible | Connects ONT to power |
| Have a router location designated and clear of all clutter | Runs wires from ONT to the router |
| Tell your technician about any known dead spots in your house | Tests signal strength with a Wi-Fi scan and advises on your need for extenders to improve coverage |
| Sit back and relax | Connects extenders if you need them |
| Connect all your devices to your new fiber-optic network | Checks to make sure that everything from your router to computers, tablets, smart home devices and wireless phones are all working |
A few tips to make the most of your new fiber network
Router location.
Pick a central location in your home, on the second floor, if you have one. Install it up off the floor. Your technician can do a walk-through with you and give you advice on your selected location and make a different recommendation.
Use your provider’s router. It’s tempting to invest in your own router. Here’s the catch: You will be 100% responsible for the software updates and maintenance. If you use the router from your internet service provider (ISP), you won’t have to worry about software updates, as they’re applied automatically. And if something goes wrong, your provider can help resolve issues by “seeing” the state of your home network devices. What’s more, they’ll take responsibility for repair or replacement.
VoIP phone service will give you a backup battery. Your fiber-optic VoIP phone service will have a battery backup located in the ONT. If there’s a power outage in your home, you’ll still have many hours to use the phone and call for any emergency help you might need.+11.28.37.png)
If you’re getting only internet service, you won’t have backup for your internet and router. All components need to be powered to work.
Make note of your network name and password. Your technician can show you where these are, right on the label on your router. Take a picture of the label with your smartphone. After your install, when you’re settling in to your new service, you can take the time to change these to more personal ones of your choosing.
As soon as your fiber-optic installation is complete, you can start enjoying it.
which Internet is better, how and how much it costs to install a network in a private house
In private houses, and even more so in summer cottages, there is rarely a centralized Internet over wires.
Andrey Nenastiev
lives in a private house
Author profile
Providers say that it is unprofitable for them to pull cables: the distances are too long.
However, there are several ways to establish normal network access.
I will tell you more about them, as well as about my experience with using a 4G signal amplifier.
Internet connection methods
Cable. Cable Internet is theoretically available if the house is located near the city or within its boundaries. But if connection in a high-rise building is usually free, then in a private house, they may be required to make a so-called installation payment.
Installation payment is a payment for the construction of a communication network. Part of the costs is borne by the provider, and part of it is passed on to future users. With this money they put up supports, pull cables, connect houses. As a rule, operators ask for 4000-5000 R from one house.
The procedure looks like this:
- Neighbors write a statement that they want to connect wired internet and are ready to pay the installation fee. Operators in the regions are interested in projects from 20 houses, so the application must have at least 20 signatures.
- The application is sent to the provider.
- The provider makes an estimate — calculates the network construction costs, looks at the number of applications, determines the final amount of the installation payment. The more applications, the less this payment per house. Also, the costs depend, for example, on the relationship of the provider with the power grid organization. Optical fiber is often laid along electrical poles — electricians take money from the telecom operator for this. The larger the payment to electricians, the greater the costs laid in the construction of the network. If the provider needs to install its own supports, the costs will be even higher.
- Neighbors enter into an agreement with a provider.
- The provider starts work.
/web-village/
How to connect the Internet in a village
Theoretically, it is possible to install cable Internet for free if the village where the house is located falls into any federal program like Eliminating the Digital Divide.
Only Rostelecom deals with such programs — you need to apply there.
Satellite Internet catches everywhere — even where there is no cellular network signal and wired phones: satellites provide communication.
The only restriction is that the antenna that looks into the sky must not be obscured by trees or any structures.
In addition to the dish antenna, you will need a converter and a receiver. The converter is placed opposite the satellite dish on the bracket. It is needed to convert the signal. A receiver is a signal receiver, it is also called a DVB-card. It can be connected to a computer via USB or be in the form of a board that is inserted into the system unit.
Antenna for satellite internet with converter. Source: ingvarr.net.ru
Satellite internet does not have many providers. In Russia, the most famous are:
- KiteNet;
- Eutelsat Networks — «Tricolor»;
- Ka-Sat — «Altegrosky», «Rainbow-Internet»;
- SenSat — Rostelecom.
Setting up satellite internet is very complicated and requires skill: you need to set the longitude, latitude, enter antenna data, search for satellites, register equipment and rotate the antenna at the same time to find the best position for signal reception. Special software is used for configuration.
Fast Sat Finder program interface for setting up satellite Internet
The main disadvantage of satellite Internet is the high cost and lack of unlimited connection for individuals. So, a package of 5-10 GB at a speed of 10 Mbps will cost about 2000 R per month. 50 GB of traffic with a speed of up to 40 Mbps will cost 5000 R. Therefore, satellite Internet is used where there is no connection and it is impossible to strengthen the mobile network signal.
Tricolor tariffs
Rainbow Internet tariffs
Minimum cost for satellite Internet — 18,000 R
| Equipment set | 10,000 R |
| Setup (master service) | 6000 R |
| Monthly subscription fee | 2000 R |
Equipment kit
10000 R
Setup (wizard service)
6000 R
Monthly subscription fee
2000 R
3G/4G Internet.
If a mobile phone picks up in the house, then the Internet can be connected via a cellular network. The main question is what will be the speed.
To quickly understand this, look at two things in the phone:
- Cellular network signal strength — the more sticks that indicate reception quality, the better.
- Communication protocol. If next to the signal strength indicator there is an inscription «3G» or «LTE», then everything is in order. If one letter is indicated: «E» or «G», then you will not have to count on high speed without additional efforts.
/mobile-roaming/
How do I use mobile Internet while roaming
The letters next to the signal strength indicator will help you understand the quality of communication in the house. Source: «IT tips, secrets» on «Yandex-Zen»
They also use services to check the speed of the Internet. Perhaps the most popular is Speedtest. But with a bad connection, it will be difficult to open even his website to check the speed.
You can quickly distribute the Internet via a cellular network to different devices using a smartphone. To do this, you need to turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot and turn your smartphone into a mini-router.
Once you set up a hotspot, any device can connect to the cellular network via your smartphone. The operation of the access point requires a lot of energy, the smartphone battery will be rapidly discharged — it is better to immediately connect it to charging.
/bad-operator/
How mobile operators ruin our lives: 3 examples
A hotspot in a smartphone is a temporary solution. To organize a permanent connection, they buy a 3G / 4G modem.
And this is a 4G modem from Iota. There is a SIM card in the modem — you can choose the appropriate tariff. The modem can only be used on a laptop or inserted into a Wi-Fi router and distributed to several devices
WiMax is a wireless technology developed as an alternative to DSL modems that operate over the telephone network.
Formally, in Russia, WiMax refers to fixed telephony.
Unlike Wi-Fi, WiMax communication is possible over long distances — up to 80 km. At the same time, WiMax gives speeds up to 75 Mbps.
WiMax technology is used to build networks within one or a group of localities. The endpoints of such a network are connected to the regular wired Internet.
WiMax was not originally intended for wide distribution. Rather, it is a technology for connecting backbone Internet networks in areas where it is not yet possible to lay fiber optics. According to telecom operators for 2017, no more than 100 thousand subscribers are connected to WiMax in Russia.
Providers have stopped developing this network, but WiMax is still working in some localities.
It will not be easy to buy equipment for WiMax network. These are offers on Yandex Market
What to choose. Wired Internet has the best performance in terms of speed and reliability. If the neighbors agree to chip in for the construction of a fiber optic line and the provider has also expressed interest in advance, this is the best option for a private house.
When there are no and will not be wires, they try to connect via a cellular network. If the signal is bad or not at all, amplifiers are used.
If the cellular signal cannot be strengthened, only expensive satellite Internet remains.
The connection method is often chosen by clicking. Internet equipment refers to technically complex goods and cannot be returned without explanation. But in practice, in stores they give the opportunity to return devices if nothing has worked. It is better to agree on this with the seller or director in advance.
A list of technically complex goods
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How to bring Internet to a private house
Choosing a provider and tariff and concluding an agreement. After you decide on the method of connecting to the Internet, you need to select a provider or mobile operator and a tariff.
Tariffs vary greatly by region. Offers that are valid, for example, in Moscow, may not be valid for other cities. Therefore, choose a tariff that suits you personally, depending on the amount of traffic you need and your budget.
Yota tariffs
It is necessary to conclude a service agreement with a provider or operator.
Wi-Fi router and other equipment selection. In a house or in a country house, regardless of the method of connecting to the Internet, a Wi-Fi network is organized. To do this, buy a router. Its key characteristic is the coverage area, that is, how far Wi-Fi will work.
/router/
How to protect your home router from hackers and neighbors
Cheap routers have one or two antennas with a gain of two isotropic decibels (dBi). These are weak models for apartments. In a private house, routers with antennas of 5 dBi or more are needed. There must be at least four antennas.
Antennas are easily removed from the router body — they can be changed and purchased separately. But it’s more convenient to immediately buy a router with good antennas so that Wi-Fi is not only in the house, but also on the site.
Providers impose proprietary routers that, for example, only work with MTS or Beeline equipment. Such routers are much cheaper, but if you need to change the operator, the router will also have to be changed.
If there is not enough Wi-Fi coverage, install repeaters or repeaters. These are signal boosters.
A good router for a private house will cost no less than 3000 R. An example of installing a router on a wall. Source: marketplace «Beru» The repeater for amplifying Wi-Fi connects directly to the outlet and almost does not need to be configured. Source: Top-Market electronics online store
Devices can also be connected to the router with a network cable. This is necessary, for example, if there are desktop computers in the house.
When such a computer is close to the router, it is not difficult to stretch the cable. But if the computer is far away, or to completely get rid of wires, they buy a Wi-Fi adapter. It plugs into a USB socket and allows you to connect to Wi-Fi on a regular computer, just like on a laptop.
WiFi adapters are small, cheap and easy to install.
Wi-Fi coverage area check. It is impossible to accurately determine the Wi-Fi coverage area before installing the router. This is influenced by many factors: the material of the walls, the location of the router, the presence of interference from other electronics.
After installing the router, the coverage of the Wi-Fi network is checked with a regular smartphone. They walk around the house and the plot with it and see how long the signal lasts.
In a private house, sometimes there are «smart» devices that also need Wi-Fi to work. Such devices can also be installed in non-residential premises: for example, there may be a temperature and humidity sensor in the basement, and a leakage sensor in the boiler room.
The rooms are sometimes separated by a brick wall — you need to check if the devices catch Wi-Fi and how good the signal is.
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Assembling a smart home: 11 tested devices from Xiaomi
If the signal is not enough somewhere, they install repeaters or change the location of the router — they transfer it to where a stronger signal is needed.
Speed measurement. You can measure the speed of the Internet using online services like «Speedtest», which I mentioned above.
In addition to the speed in Mbps, such services will show «pings» — ping — the response time of a randomly selected server to a request. The lower the ping, the better the quality of the connection.
For example, satellite Internet is sensitive to short pings: the speed may be normal, but pings are long due to signal loss. As a result, the Internet does not work well.
My «Speedtest» shows good speed and quality of the Internet
How I set up fast Internet in a private house through a 4G amplifier
There was no wired Internet in my house, and for the first time we used a regular 4G modem that was inserted into the router.
The connection quality was terrible: on the best days it reached 1-2 Mbps, and in the evenings it dropped to 200-400 Kbps.
When my daughter was watching cartoons, I couldn’t work on my computer. And the cartoons hung without any extraneous load. Downloading large files was a real pain.
/dom/
I moved from Khrushchev to a private house
Witchcraft with a cellular connection. I tried all the mobile Internet operators in the city, but did not achieve anything. Some of the SIMs simply did not work: the network was unavailable because the base station was too far away. Other operators gave the same low speed. The phone consistently showed the letter «E» — work on the ancient EDGE protocol.
After talking with the support services of providers, I concluded that all the equipment of all operators is located at the same point — this is the pipe of the nearest boiler house. I suspected that there were no separate stations of MTS, MegaFon and Beeline, but we are talking about the same overloaded station, and its operators share it with each other.
Then I cheated and set forced registration in the 3G network instead of 4G in the modem settings. The 3G frequency band is now freer, as most devices automatically register to 4G. This manipulation allowed me to increase the speed by another 1-2 Mbps. But in the evening it was not noticed.
Antenna selection and installation. I decided to try to amplify the signal and bought an Anteks Petra 9 panel antenna. The gain of such an antenna is 9 dB — this is not much, but the base station on the boiler pipe is only 1.5 km from my house — a large gain was not needed.
I took the 4G modem out of the router and connected it to the antenna through special connectors on the edge of the case. I inserted the modem inside the antenna, there was a regular USB socket.
Dismantled panel antenna-amplifier. The 4G modem is inside. Source: Anton-programmer at Yandex Zen
Then I fixed the antenna on the facade, drilled a hole for the cable and brought it inside.
One end of the cable was already attached to the antenna, and I inserted the other end into the router instead of the modem.
Before the amplifier, the 4G modem program showed 1-2 divisions of the signal level, after installing the antenna — all five. But this did not affect the speed of the Internet. He still barely moved.
Installation of the panel amplifier took me less than an hour
Torment with providers. I started trying SIM cards from different operators again. Each cost me 500-600 R, some managed to return and return the money, but more often they refused me: they said that the initial payment was not returned. I tried four operators — to no avail. I wrote to the technical support services again, and they still answered me that the station was overloaded.
Then I decided to try the SIM card of the operator, which I had previously refused due to poor signal strength. With the amplifier, I was able to find his network at five bars out of five.
The speed increased to 35 Mbps.
/perenos-nomera/
How to change the telecom operator and keep the number
What happened. Sometimes in the evening the speed drops to 10 Mbps, but this doesn’t really bother me anymore. Even this speed is enough to watch two or three movies at the same time on different devices.
My operator has an unlimited tariff, it cost me 600 R per month. I have been using the Internet for about six months now, and so far there have been no problems with speed anymore.
I wrote a post on Vkontakte about how I organized everything. Then, for a week, neighbors in the village called me with questions about where, what and how to buy. I consulted everyone for free.
Internet connection via 4G amplifier cost me 6600 R
| Amplifier antenna | 4000 R |
Unnecessary SIM cards for which money could not be returned, 3 pcs. |
1500 R |
| SIM card left for permanent use | 600 R |
| Front bracket | 500 R |
| Curses against operators | Priceless |
Amplifier antenna
4000 R
Unnecessary sim cards for which money could not be returned, 3 pcs
1500 R
SIM card, which remained for constant use of
600 R
Crohlstein for mounting on the facade
500 R
Curses to operators
Avascular
How to connect the Internet in the village
in 2013 in 2013 in 2013 husband moved to the village of Baranovo, 20 km from the city of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Region.
Vera Kolesnichenko
connected the Internet in her village and three neighboring ones
In retirement, I work part-time — I develop standards and methods for product quality control in small companies. I need internet to work. I also got used to paying bills via the Internet, making an appointment with a doctor and communicating with friends.
The quality of mobile Internet in my village is terrible: Megafon, MTS and Beeline have a network either appearing or disappearing. I put up with the situation for two years and traveled to the city to check email and send documents.
In order not to lose my job and my usual everyday comfort, I found a way to bring the Internet to the village. In the article I will talk about the connection options, their cost and the difficulties that you will face.
I like to live among nature in my village Baranovo, but there are no communications for Internet connection
What about the Internet in rural areas of Russia
In Russia, the Internet is installed in every second rural house — these figures are given by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation. But in my village only 69 households out of 265 are connected to the Internet, and in the neighboring village — 12 out of 80. 2018″PDF, 8.9 MB
Link quality is not included in the report.
If the mobile operator declares coverage, the village is considered to be connected to the Internet. In practice, my mobile Internet from Beeline is not enough to work in a Google document or go to a social network page.
If you are reading this, you already have the Internet
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The report is optimistic, but shattered by reality: only 7.9% of households are not connected to the Internet due to a lack of technical capability, and in 65% of cases people simply do not need the Internet. In fact, the opposite is true: there is a desire, but there is no technical possibility.
On the coverage map of mobile operators in our village, 3G from Beeline should work. In practice, phones simply do not find it. If there is no cell tower within a radius of 6 km from the village, as in my case, then the signal will be weak.
On the Sitcom website, you can check the coverage area of the mobile Internet of different operators.
This is how the MTS 3G and 4G coverage area looks like in the vicinity of my village. The brighter the shade of red, the stronger the signal. Darkest color means 4G
| The mobile communication tower is located 10 km from the village over rough terrain, so the connection is unstable | Baranov’s administration used a flash modem to access the Internet, now telephony. From an employee of the administration, I learned that the speed of 3 Mbps is enough for the authorities to work |
The mobile communication tower is located 10 km from the village over rough terrain, so the connection is unstable. Baranov’s administration used a flash modem to access the Internet, now telephony. From an employee of the administration, I learned that the speed of 3 Mbps is enough for the authorities to work
What type of connection to choose
There are several options for connecting the Internet in the village: a flash modem, a repeater, satellite Internet, telephony, Wi-Fi access points.
The choice usually depends on the technical characteristics of the device and the price you are willing to pay for a quality connection. If a mobile communication tower has already been built in the village, you can get by with a cheaper flash modem or repeater. If there is no tower, then you will have to choose from the remaining alternatives that are more expensive.
I have been looking for the best connection option for two years. I tried to use flash modems of different operators and satellite Internet. Flash modems gave a speed of no more than 256 Kbps at a cost of 700 R per month within the tariff up to 5 GB. One-way satellite Internet «Rainbow» was unlimited, but gave out speeds up to 512 Kbps — with this, even web pages take a long time to load. For such pleasure, I paid 1000 R per month, but decided to abandon the expensive and inefficient option.
Access points from Rostelecom are the most cost-effective option, but their range is limited to 100 meters. Even if there is such a point in your village, it is not yet a fact that your house will fall into its coverage area.
One access point is installed for the whole village.
7500
it is worth connecting a Wi-Fi access point
There are usually up to four houses within a radius of 100 meters. You can find a pole with equipment yourself or find out its location from the head of the village administration. If there is an access point in your village, it remains to take the gadget, go to the pole and catch the net. How to connect and register is explained in the step-by-step instructions on the Rostelecom Guru website.
I am currently using the Internet through a hotspot from an IT provider of my choice.
Internet connection options in the village
| Method | What to do | Cost | Pay per month | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Modem | Choose a mobile operator, buy a flash modem, choose the best tariff | free | from 200 R | ? Price, easy to connect, pay online ? No unlimited tariffs and declared speed, connection quality depends on the weather |
| Access point from IT provider | Find a provider, apply | from 4900 R | from 570 R | ? Claimed speed from 5 Mbps, technical support, unlimited internet ? Delays in troubleshooting and equipment repair due to remote office |
| Wi-Fi access points from Rostelecom under the program to bridge the digital divide | Apply to Rostelecom | 7500 R | from 449 R | ? Declared speed 10 Mbps, connection stability, technical support, payment on the Internet ? No access point in your area |
| Satellite internet (one-way or two-way) | Find a sales and installation company, apply | 14 890—42 480 | from 1500 R | ? Claimed speed up to 45 Mbps, technical support, online payment ? Limiting the amount of traffic within the tariff, high cost of equipment and subscription fee |
| Repeater amplifier for flash modem from dealer | Find a sales and installation company, apply | 20 000 R | from 600 R | ? High speed, SIM card for a flash modem from a dealer, payment on the Internet |
| Wired Internet using telephony from Rostelecom | Submit an application, organize the laying of a telephone cable to the house | from 38 600 R | from 450 R | ? Independence from weather conditions, unlimited Internet, technical support, payment on the Internet |
Flash modem
What to do
Choose a mobile operator, buy a flash modem, choose the best tariff
Cost
free
Monthly fee
from 200 R
Pros and cons
?03 Price, easy to connect ?02 unlimited tariffs and declared speed, communication quality depends on the weather
Access point from an IT provider
What needs to be done
Find a provider, apply
Cost
dated 4900 r
Coach per month
of 570 r
Plus and minuses
The declared speed of 5 Mbps, technical support, unlimited Internet
? delays with the elimination of accidents and repair of equipment due office remoteness
Wi-Fi access points from Rostelecom under the digital divide program
What needs to be done
Apply to Rostelecom
Cost
7500 r
Coach per month
dated 449 r
pluses and minuses
♥ The declared speed of 10 Mbps, communication stability, technical support, payment on the Internet
? Lack of access in your area
Satellite Internet (single-sided or double-sided)
What to do
Find a sales and installation company, apply
Cost
14,890-42,480 R
Pay per month
from 1500 R
Pros and cons
? Claimed speed up to 45 Mbps, technical support, payment on the Internet
? Limitation of traffic volume within the tariff, high cost of equipment and subscription fee
5 Mbps 
If your village is on the list of Rostelecom access points, write an application for connection through the official website of Rostelecom or visit the company branch in person. By law, the application will be considered within 30 days. 
It is necessary to dig a ditch from it, lay a wire through it, bring it to the house and connect the equipment. I left this option as a last resort 
I found four and arranged a casting among them. One individual entrepreneur had his license to provide services revoked — I excluded him first. Another individual entrepreneur accepted payment only in cash at the city office — it would be inconvenient to pay bills. After a telephone conversation with the heads of two other companies, I checked the information about them on the website of the Federal Tax Service and the website of reviews. I chose a company that had more positive reviews. 
Probably because he has re-elections soon. 
I learned from the provider in advance about the connection method, the installation location of the main equipment and its cost, tariffs and services. | Question | Reply |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to connect to the Internet? | The cost depends on the selected tariff plan and the need to connect a router. The minimum cost of connection, including equipment, is 5470 R. In this amount, connection and equipment is 4900 R, the minimum tariff plan is 570 R per month. |
| Which tariff should I choose? | If you use only a PC or laptop, the tariff for 570 R per month with a speed of 5-7 Mbps is sufficient. If you plan to use several devices via Wi-Fi, then you need a speed of 8-10 Mbps at a rate of 720 R per month. |
| When will you connect the Internet? | As soon as we reach the minimum required number of potential subscribers — 20 people. Then we will draw up the documents and install the equipment. |
| Won’t it turn out that we get connected and the company falls apart? | Nowadays, everything is possible, but if a company has been operating in this market for 10 years, there is hope that it will work for the same number of years. |
| Where do I go if my equipment breaks down? | The company has a technical support, where you can call at any time. If the equipment purchased from us fails, maintenance during the warranty period is free. If the problem is in your equipment, the technician’s departure costs 500 R. The technician determines the cause of the breakdown on the spot. |
Typical questions from potential customers and possible answers
How much does it cost to connect to the Internet? The cost depends on the selected tariff plan and the need to connect a router.
The minimum cost of connection, including equipment, is 5470 R. In this amount, connection and equipment is 4900 R, the minimum tariff plan is 570 R per month.
Which tariff should I choose? If you use only a PC or laptop, the tariff for 570 R per month with a speed of 5-7 Mbps is enough. If you plan to use several devices via Wi-Fi, then you need a speed of 8-10 Mbps at a rate of 720 R per month.
When will you connect to the Internet? As soon as we reach the minimum required number of potential subscribers — 20 people. Then we will draw up the documents and install the equipment.
Won’t it turn out that we get connected and the company falls apart? Nowadays, everything is possible, but if a company has been operating in this market for 10 years, there is hope that it will work for the same number of years.
Where to go if equipment breaks down? The company has a technical support, where you can call at any time.
If the equipment purchased from us fails, maintenance during the warranty period is free. If the problem is in your equipment, the technician’s departure costs 500 R. The technician determines the cause of the breakdown on the spot.
First, I went around the neighbors and found out if they wanted to connect to the Internet. Immediately got 4 clients. I started a notebook for records of potential clients. No prepayment or receipts. If a person needs the Internet, he will connect it.
In addition to personal communication with neighbors, I wrote an ad, printed it out and pasted it in the most visited places: at the post office, on the bulletin board at the village administration, at shops, at bus stops. I indicated my phone number in the ad and waited for calls.
It turned out that creating a clear announcement is not so easy. I checked my ad on an eighty-year-old neighbor: I let her read it and redid it until she ran out of questions.
Calls for the ad started on the same day.
I honestly explained the situation to potential subscribers: pre-registration is now underway, we need to collect 20 applicants. In addition, the timing of the connection depends on the village administration — when they allocate space for the installation of the tower and equipment. I always carried a phone and a notebook for recording with me. In the evening I entered information about those who wished to Excel — it’s more convenient for me to keep records. Two weeks later, I gathered the required minimum of clients, phoned the director of the company and made an appointment.
Such an announcement was pasted in the most visited places in the village Bus stop is a place where all passengers read ads
Search for a provider
Most city providers refuse to work in rural areas, because it is unprofitable for them. I advise you to consider companies not only in the neighboring city, but also in the entire region.
Providers from neighboring areas can be considered if they have permission to work in yours.
I purposefully looked for companies that offer to connect private homes to the Internet. I called only those who had information on the Internet connection in the private sector on the site.
In the register of enterprises in Russia, I checked providers according to several criteria: the presence of a license to provide telematic communication services, the location of the license, and the absence of a mark on the liquidation of the company. If there are no arbitration proceedings and the registration period is more than 3 years, I kept the contact of the provider.
I then checked the reviews on the selected provider’s social media and review site. I also paid attention to the payment method: it is inconvenient to go from the village to the city every month to pay for the Internet. I was only able to pay for services online.
Reviews about Internet providers on the site «2ip-ru»
In all respects, I chose the provider «Intercity». The company has been operating for 10 years, and according to reviews, technicians go to calls very quickly.
It took at least 20 houses to get internet in my village. Providers are ready to delegate the negotiation process with future clients. I was offered a reward of 250 R for each connected subscriber. Usually, providers are ready to pay from 200 R to 500 R — such figures were given to me by employees of the companies with which I negotiated.
Form of an agreement for the provision of communication services
Day X — Internet connection
The director of the company with a technician arrived in the village and chose the highest place for the tower. It depends on the height whether it will be possible to cover all the houses with a radio signal.
I agreed in advance with the head of the administration of the rural settlement about a meeting with the provider. The parties agreed and signed a lease agreement for sites to place towers and equipment in our village and surrounding villages.
Within a week, a tower with equipment was installed on the old house of culture.
The head of the village helped to solve the problem of connecting to electricity: he agreed with a local resident living near the recreation center to connect the power of the station to his house. The longest stage was the allocation of a radio frequency band from Rostelecom — it took a month and a half.
As soon as the technicians began to install the equipment tower, the news about the Internet spread throughout the village. I continued to receive calls, and I continued to write down potential clients in a notebook.
Base station installed on the old house of culture
| The small receiving antenna points towards the transmitting station away from the IT provider. From it, the wire goes to the house to connect to a computer or router | If trees interfere with the transmission of a signal from the station to the radio point, they have to be cut down |
The small receiving antenna points towards the transmitting station away from the IT provider.
A wire runs from it to the house to connect to a computer or router. If the trees interfere with the transmission of a signal from the station to the radio point, they have to be cut down
Connecting neighboring villages
Residents of neighboring villages also wanted to connect to the Internet. They learned my phone number from friends and relatives from our village. I agreed with the provider that I would record those who wished from neighboring villages.
The range of a stable signal is no more than 6 km, three villages fell into it. In this case, each settlement is connected to a separate base station using a bridge virtually stretched from the main base. In my case, the main equipment was in Baranovo, and the surrounding villages were connected via a virtual bridge.
In order to get at least 20 subscribers as soon as possible, I drove around villages and villages, put up ads, and talked to local residents. Further — according to the worked out plan.
Spent at the stage of creating a subscriber base — 638
| Mobile communications | 250 R |
| Paper — 1 ream | 200 R |
| Petrol | 168 P |
| Tape — 1 roll | 20 P |
Mobile communication
250 R
Paper — 1 ream
200 R
Gasoline
168 R 9 Roll
—
3
20
Internet connection costs — 8558
| Internet connection and equipment | 4900 P |
| Router | 2000 R |
| Monthly tariff payment | 720 |
| Costs at the stage of creating a subscriber base | 638 P |
| Router setup | 300 R |
Internet connection and equipment
4900 R
Router
2000 R
Payment for a month
720 R
Costs at the stage of creating a subscriber base
638 P
Settings of the router
9000 300 r
I did not sign with the director of the company—company provider no agreement on their remuneration.
But even without formalities, I received 250 R for each connected subscriber. The Internet was connected by 102 people from 4 villages, for which I received 25,500 R. Two months passed from the moment of choosing a company to connecting everyone.
25,500 R
I earned for connecting village residents to the Internet
Travel routes in neighboring villages
Results
- Decide what Internet speed, traffic volume and how many connected gadgets you need.
- The most expensive satellite two-way Internet, the cheapest — a flash modem.
- Contact the head of the administration of the rural settlement and find out if there is an IT provider for connection in the village. Find a provider company ready to connect your village.
- Check the integrity of the company: see if it has a valid license for communication services, litigation and tax audits. Read reviews about the company.
- Ask your provider how many subscribers in a rural settlement are considered profitable for them.
